Getting around Mayotte requires some planning, as public transport is limited and the island's road network, while in good condition, doesn't lend itself to walking between sights.
Taxi-brousse (shared taxi) is the main form of public transport. These minibuses run between towns on Grande-Terre, are cheap, and run frequently during the day. You flag them down on the road. However, services thin out in the late afternoon and are unreliable on Sundays.
Car rental is the most practical option for independent travelers. Roads are well-surfaced by African standards and driving is on the right (French rules apply). Petrol is available throughout the island. Rental agencies are based at the Dzaoudzi-Pamandzi airport and in Mamoudzou.
The ferry between Mamoudzou (Grande-Terre) and Dzaoudzi (Petite-Terre) runs continuously throughout the day and takes about ten minutes. Fare is a couple of euros each way.
Water taxis can take you from Mamoudzou to various points along the lagoon and to offshore islets (îlots). Agree a price before departing. Some of the best snorkeling spots are only accessible by boat.